On politics in the Golden State

Gov. Jerry Brown, top lawmakers reach budget deal

Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders have reached a framework of a deal on the state's $92.1-billion spending plan, according to sources close to the negotiations.

The plan is expected to be announced later Thursday morning.

Democrats passed a spending plan Friday but left a number of unresolved issues, including potential changes to the state's welfare program and $250 million that Brown wanted to go to counties.

The budget agreement gives counties more flexibility to deal with work requirements for welfare recipients, but does not mandate shorter time limits or stricter work requirements for those receiving assistance, according to the sources, who requested anonymity.

The accord also includes the governor's plan to fold the state's Healthy Families program into Medi-Cal and restores the $250 million in property tax revenues to counties, as Brown sought. Democrats had wanted to use that money to pay for general state operations.